Method for Producing a Dairy Product

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a method for producing a dairy product using an enzyme having lactase activity.

SEQUENCE LISTING

The present invention comprises a sequence listing.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a method for producing a dairy product using an enzyme having lactase activity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Lactose intolerance is perhaps the best-known food sensitivity in the United States and other parts of the world. It is estimated that about 70% of the world's population has a genetically controlled limited ability to digest lactose. Therefore, to help dairy maldigesters keep dairy foods in their diet, there is a growing demand for dairy food products that contain no or only low levels of lactose.

Lactase is used commercially to break down lactose in milk to produce dairy products which are suitable for people with lactose intolerance and/or have a sweeter taste. Because glucose and galactose are sweeter than lactose, lactase produces a more pleasant taste. Lactase is also used in the manufacture of ice cream. Lactose crystallises at the low temperatures of ice cream, whereas glucose and galactose stay liquid and contribute to a smoother texture. Lactase is also used in the conversion of whey into syrup. Lactase is also used for production of condensed milk.

Lactases have been isolated from a large variety of organisms, including microorganisms. Lactase is often an intracellular component of microorganisms like Kluyveromyces and Bacillus. Kluyveromyces, especially K. fragilis and K. lactis, and other fungi such as those of the genera Candida, Torula and Torulopsis, are a common source of fungal lactases, whereas B. coagulans and B circulans are well known sources for bacterial lactases. Several commercial lactase preparations derived from these organisms are available such as Lactozym® (available from Novozymes, Denmark), HA-Lactase (available from Chr. Hansen, Denmark) and Maxilact® (available from DSM, the Netherlands), all from K. lactis. All these lactases are so called neutral lactases having a pH optimum between pH 6 and pH 8. When such lactases are used in the production of, e.g., low-lactose yoghurt, the enzyme treatment will either have to be done in a separate step before fermentation or rather high enzyme dosages have to be used, because their activity drop as the pH decreases during fermentation. Also, these lactases are not suitable for hydrolysis of lactose in milk performed at high temperature, which would in some cases be beneficial to keep the microbial count low and thus ensure good milk quality.

Several extracellular lactases have been described having a lower pH optimum, see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,736,374 which describes an example of such lactase, produced by Aspergillus oryzae.

A lactase from Bifidobacterium bifidum has been described having a high transgalactosylating activity, both in the full-length form and especially when truncated from the C-terminal end (see, e.g., Jørgensen et al. (2001), Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol., 57: 647-652 or EP patent 1,283,876).

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for production of dairy products, e.g. fermented dairy products, such as yoghurt, having a low level of lactose by using a lactase. It is also an object to provide a method for production of low-lactose beverage milk having an extended shelf-life by using a lactase, where the method gives rise to low formation of off-flavour and/or low formation of brown colour as compared to known methods. Lactase to be used according to the invention should hydrolyse lactose efficiently and optimally allow for almost complete lactose hydrolysis. Especially, such lactase should have a high ratio of lactase to transgalactosylase activity. For use in the production of fermented dairy products, the lactase should be active over a broad pH range.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present inventors have surprisingly found that a C-terminally truncated fragment of the extracellular lactase from Bifidobacterium bifidum, which was originally isolated and patented for its ability to make high amounts of galactooligosaccharides from lactose, can be used very successfully for hydrolysis of lactose in milk. When tested in water+100 g/l lactose at 37° C., the enzyme makes galactooligosaccharides with high efficiency as described in the prior art. However, when tested in milk, the ratio of hydrolytic to transgalactosylating activity has changed markedly, resulting in efficient hydrolysis and very low production of galactooligosaccharides.

Consequently, the present invention relates to a method for producing a dairy product comprising

a) providing a milk-based substrate comprising lactose; and

b) treating said substrate with an enzyme having lactase activity and having an amino acid sequence which is at least 70% identical to amino acids 28-1931 of SEQ ID NO: 1 or a fragment thereof.

In a preferred aspect, the invention relates to a method for producing a dairy product comprising

a) providing a milk-based substrate comprising lactose; and

b) treating said substrate with an enzyme having lactase activity and having an amino acid sequence which is at least 70% identical to amino acids 28-1331 of SEQ ID NO: 2.

Further, the inventors have surprisingly found that very low levels of lactose can be achieved when using the lactase from Bifidobacterium bifidum as compared to other lactases typically used for treatment of milk. Another unexpected advantage of using the lactase from Bifidobacterium bifidum is that the enzyme is active at high temperatures, allowing for treatment of the milk at, e.g., 52° C., thus reducing the microbial count and thereby improving the quality of the milk.

Therefore, in another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for producing a dairy product comprising

a) providing a milk-based substrate comprising lactose, and

b) treating said substrate with an enzyme having lactase activity,

where step b) takes place at a temperature of at least 50° C.

In a preferred embodiment, step b) takes place at a temperature of at least 52° C.

Also, the inventors have surprisingly found that the lactase from Bifidobacterium bifidum is active over a broad pH range.

Therefore, in another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for producing a dairy product comprising

a) providing a milk-based substrate comprising lactose, and

b) treating said substrate with an enzyme having lactase activity, where the pH optimum of the lactase activity at 37° C. is above pH 5, and where the lactase activity of the enzyme at pH 5 is at least 50% of its lactase activity at pH 6 when measured at 37° C.

Use of a lactase enzyme being active over a broad pH spectrum is especially useful for the production of fermented dairy products, where it allows for low enzyme dosage, since the enzyme is still active during and after fermentation. Also, very low levels of lactose in the fermented dairy product can be reached using such enzyme.

Therefore, in a preferred aspect, the present invention relates to a method for producing a low-lactose fermented dairy product comprising

a) providing a milk-based substrate comprising lactose,

b) treating said substrate with an enzyme having lactase activity, where the pH optimum of the lactase activity at 37° C. is above pH 5, and where the lactase activity of the enzyme at pH 5 is at least 50% of its lactase activity at pH 6 when measured at 37° C., and

c) fermenting said substrate with a microorganism.

The present inventors have also surprisingly found that in the manufacture of low-lactose beverage milk having an extended shelf life, the lactose hydrolysis can preferentially be carried out at high temperature, such as at a temperature of at least 60° C. Preferentially, such manufacture may comprise simultaneous low-pasteurization and lactase treatment.

Therefore, in a preferred aspect, the present invention relates to a method for producing a dairy product comprising

a) providing a milk-based substrate comprising lactose, and

b) treating said substrate with an enzyme having lactase activity,

wherein step b) is performed for between 10 minutes and 4 hours at a temperature of between 62° C. and 64° C.

In a more preferred aspect, step b) in such method is followed by cooling to below 10° C. without further heat treatment. This will allow for the enzyme to be still active after the milk has been cooled, i.e. during its storage. In another more preferred aspect, step b) in such method is followed by UHT treatment.

Preferably, in the methods of the invention, at least 70% of the lactose in the milk-based substrate is hydrolysed. More preferably, at least 80%, such as at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95% or at least 98%, of the lactose in the milk-based substrate is hydrolysed.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for producing a dairy product comprising

a) providing a milk-based substrate comprising lactose; and

b) treating said substrate with an enzyme having lactase activity and having an amino acid sequence which is at least 70% identical to SEQ ID NO: 3 or a fragment thereof.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for producing a dairy product comprising

a) providing a milk-based substrate comprising lactose; and

b) treating said substrate with an enzyme having lactase activity and having an amino acid sequence which is at least 70% identical to SEQ ID NO: 4 or a fragment thereof.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for producing a dairy product comprising

a) providing a milk-based substrate comprising lactose; and

b) treating said substrate with an enzyme having lactase activity and having an amino acid sequence which is at least 70% identical to SEQ ID NO: 5 or a fragment thereof.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for producing a dairy product comprising

a) providing a milk-based substrate comprising lactose; and

b) treating said substrate with an enzyme having lactase activity and having an amino acid sequence which is at least 70% identical to SEQ ID NO: 6 or a fragment thereof.

In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for producing a dairy product comprising

a) providing a milk-based substrate comprising lactose; and

b) treating said substrate with an enzyme having lactase activity and having an amino acid sequence which is at least 70% identical to SEQ ID NO: 7 or a fragment thereof.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Milk-Based Substrate

The term “milk”, in the context of the present invention, is to be understood as the lacteal secretion obtained by milking any mammal, such as cows, sheep, goats, buffaloes or camels.

“Milk-based substrate”, in the context of the present invention, may be any raw and/or processed milk material. Useful milk-based substrates include, but are not limited to solutions/suspensions of any milk or milk like products comprising lactose, such as whole or low fat milk, skim milk, buttermilk, reconstituted milk powder, condensed milk, solutions of dried milk, UHT milk, whey, whey permeate, acid whey, or cream.

Preferably, the milk-based substrate is milk or an aqueous solution of skim milk powder.

The milk-based substrate may be more concentrated than raw milk.

In one embodiment, the milk-based substrate has a ratio of protein to lactose of at least 0.2, preferably at least 0.3, at least 0.4, at least 0.5, at least 0.6 or, most preferably, at least 0.7.

The milk-based substrate may be homogenized and pasteurized according to methods known in the art.

“Homogenizing” as used herein means intensive mixing to obtain a soluble suspension or emulsion. It may be performed so as to break up the milk fat into smaller sizes so that it no longer separates from the milk. This may be accomplished by forcing the milk at high pressure through small orifices.

“Pasteurizing” as used herein means reducing or eliminating the presence of live organisms, such as microorganisms, in the milk-based substrate. Preferably, pasteurization is attained by maintaining a specified temperature for a specified period of time. The specified temperature is usually attained by heating. The temperature and duration may be selected in order to kill or inactivate certain bacteria, such as harmful bacteria, and/or to inactivate enzymes in the milk. A rapid cooling step may follow.

Dairy Product

A “dairy product” in the context of the present invention may be any food product wherein one of the major constituents is milk-based. Preferable, the major constituent is milk-based. More preferably, the major constituent is a milk-based substrate which has been treated with an enzyme having lactase activity according to a method of the invention. In the context of the present invention “one of the major constituents” means a constituent having a dry matter which constitutes more than 20%, preferably more than 30% or more than 40% of the total dry matter of the dairy product, whereas “the major constituent” means a constituent having a dry matter which constitutes more than 50%, preferably more than 60% or more than 70% of the total dry matter of the dairy product.

A dairy product according to the invention may be, e.g., skim milk, low fat milk, whole milk, cream, UHT milk, milk having an extended shelf life, a fermented milk product, cheese, yoghurt, butter, dairy spread, butter milk, acidified milk drink, sour cream, whey based drink, ice cream, condensed milk, dulce de leche or a flavoured milk drink. A dairy product may be manufactured by any method known in the art.

A dairy product may additionally comprise non-milk components, e.g. vegetable components such as, e.g., vegetable oil, vegetable protein, and/or vegetable carbohydrates. Dairy products may also comprise further additives such as, e.g., enzymes, flavouring agents, microbial cultures such as probiotic cultures, salts, sweeteners, sugars, acids, fruit, fruit juices, or any other component known in the art as a component of, or additive to, a dairy product.

In one embodiment of the invention, one or more milk components and/or milk fractions account for at least 50% (weight/weight), such as at least 70%, e.g. at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, of the dairy product.

In one embodiment of the invention, one or more milk-based substrates having been treated with an enzyme having lactase activity according to a method of the invention account for at least 50% (weight/weight), such as at least 70%, e.g. at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, of the dairy product.

In one embodiment of the invention, the dairy product is a dairy product which is not enriched by addition of galactooligosaccharides.

In one embodiment of the invention, the enzyme-treated milk-based substrate is not dried before being used as an ingredient in the dairy product.

In one embodiment of the invention, the dairy product is ice cream. In the present context, ice cream may be any kind of ice cream such as full fat ice cream, low fat ice cream, or ice cream based on yoghurt or other fermented milk products. Ice cream may be manufactured by any method known in the art.

In one embodiment of the invention, the dairy product is milk or condensed milk.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the dairy product is UHT milk. UHT milk in the context of the present invention is milk which has been subjected to a sterilization procedure which is intended to kill all microorganisms, including the bacterial spores. UHT (ultra high temperature) treatment may be, e.g., heat treatment for 30 seconds at 130° C., or heat treatment for one second at 145° C.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the dairy product is ESL milk. ESL milk in the context of the present invention is milk which has an extended shelf life due to microfiltration and/or heat treatment and which is able to stay fresh for at least 15 days, preferably for at least 20 days, on the store shelf at 2-5° C.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the dairy product is a fermented dairy product, e.g., yoghurt.

Fermented Dairy Product

A “fermented dairy product” in the context of the present invention is to be understood as any dairy product wherein any type of fermentation forms part of the production process. Examples of fermented dairy products are products like yoghurt, buttermilk, creme fraiche, quark and fromage frais. A fermented dairy product may be produced by any method known in the art.

“Fermentation” in the method of the present invention means the conversion of carbohydrates into alcohols or acids through the action of a microorganism. Preferably, fermentation in the method of the present invention comprises conversion of lactose to lactic acid.

In the context of the present invention, “microorganism” may include any bacterium or fungus being able to ferment the milk substrate.

The microorganisms used for most fermented milk products are selected from the group of bacteria generally referred to as lactic acid bacteria. As used herein, the term “lactic acid bacterium” designates a gram-positive, microaerophilic or anaerobic bacterium, which ferments sugars with the production of acids including lactic acid as the predominantly produced acid, acetic acid and propionic acid. The industrially most useful lactic acid bacteria are found within the order “Lactobacillales” which includes Lactococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., Lactobacillus spp., Leuconostoc spp., Pseudoleuconostoc spp., Pediococcus spp., Brevibacterium spp., Enterococcus spp. and Propionibacterium spp. Additionally, lactic acid producing bacteria belonging to the group of anaerobic bacteria, bifidobacteria, i.e. Bifidobacterium spp., which are frequently used as food cultures alone or in combination with lactic acid bacteria, are generally included in the group of lactic acid bacteria.

Lactic acid bacteria are normally supplied to the dairy industry either as frozen or freeze-dried cultures for bulk starter propagation or as so-called “Direct Vat Set” (DVS) cultures, intended for direct inoculation into a fermentation vessel or vat for the production of a fermented dairy product. Such cultures are in general referred to as “starter cultures” or “starters”.

Commonly used starter culture strains of lactic acid bacteria are generally divided into mesophilic organisms having optimum growth temperatures at about 30° C. and thermophilic organisms having optimum growth temperatures in the range of about 40 to about 45° C. Typical organisms belonging to the mesophilic group include Lactococcus lactis, Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris, Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. cremoris, Pseudoleuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. cremoris, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis biovar. diacetylactis, Lactobacillus casei subsp. casei and Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei. Thermophilic lactic acid bacterial species include as examples Streptococcus thermophilus, Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Lactobacillus acidophilus.

Also the anaerobic bacteria belonging to the genus Bifidobacterium including Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium animalis and Bifidobacterium longum are commonly used as dairy starter cultures and are generally included in the group of lactic acid bacteria. Additionally, species of Propionibacteria are used as dairy starter cultures, in particular in the manufacture of cheese. Additionally, organisms belonging to the Brevibacterium genus are commonly used as food starter cultures.

Another group of microbial starter cultures are fungal cultures, including yeast cultures and cultures of filamentous fungi, which are particularly used in the manufacture of certain types of cheese and beverage. Examples of fungi include Penicillium roqueforti, Penicillium candidum, Geotrichum candidum, Torula kefir, Saccharomyces kefir and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the microorganism used for fermentation of the milk-based substrate is Lactobacillus casei or a mixture of Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus.

Fermentation processes to be used in a method of the present invention are well known and the person of skill in the art will know how to select suitable process conditions, such as temperature, oxygen, amount and characteristics of microorganism/s, additives such as e.g. carbohydrates, flavours, minerals, enzymes, and process time. Obviously, fermentation conditions are selected so as to support the achievement of the present invention.

As a result of fermentation, pH of the milk-based substrate will be lowered. The pH of a fermented dairy product of the invention may be, e.g., in the range 3.5-6, such as in the range 3.5-5, preferably in the range 3.8-4.8.

In a preferred embodiment, the fermented dairy product is yoghurt.

Method for Producing a Dairy Product

As mentioned above, the present invention in one aspect relates to a method for producing a dairy product comprising:

a) providing a milk-based substrate comprising lactose; and

b) treating said substrate with an enzyme having lactase activity and having an amino acid sequence which is at least 70% identical to amino acids 28-1931 of SEQ ID NO: 1 or a fragment thereof.

In a preferred aspect, the invention relates to a method for producing a dairy product comprising

a) providing a milk-based substrate comprising lactose; and

b) treating said substrate with an enzyme having lactase activity and having an amino acid sequence which is at least 70% identical to amino acids 28-1331 of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for producing a dairy product comprising

a) providing a milk-based substrate comprising lactose; and

b) treating said substrate with an enzyme having lactase activity and having an amino acid sequence which is at least 70% identical to SEQ ID NO: 3 or a fragment thereof.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for producing a dairy product comprising

a) providing a milk-based substrate comprising lactose; and

b) treating said substrate with an enzyme having lactase activity and having an amino acid sequence which is at least 70% identical to SEQ ID NO: 4 or a fragment thereof.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for producing a dairy product comprising

a) providing a milk-based substrate comprising lactose; and

b) treating said substrate with an enzyme having lactase activity and having an amino acid sequence which is at least 70% identical to SEQ ID NO: 5 or a fragment thereof.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for producing a dairy product comprising

a) providing a milk-based substrate comprising lactose; and

b) treating said substrate with an enzyme having lactase activity and having an amino acid sequence which is at least 70% identical to SEQ ID NO: 6 or a fragment thereof.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for producing a dairy product comprising

a) providing a milk-based substrate comprising lactose; and

b) treating said substrate with an enzyme having lactase activity and having an amino acid sequence which is at least 70% identical to SEQ ID NO: 7 or a fragment thereof.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for producing a dairy product comprising

a) providing a milk-based substrate comprising lactose, and

b) treating said substrate with an enzyme having lactase activity,

wherein step b) takes place at a temperature of at least 50° C.

In yet another aspect, the invention relates to a method for producing a dairy product comprising

a) providing a milk-based substrate comprising lactose,

b) treating said substrate with an enzyme having lactase activity, where the pH optimum of the lactase activity at 37° C. is above pH 5, and where the lactase activity of the enzyme at pH 5 is at least 50% of its lactase activity at pH 6 when measured at 37° C.

The skilled person will know how to determine the lactase activity at different pH and thereby determine the pH optimum for the enzyme. The lactase activity at different pH may be determined by measuring hydrolysis of lactose at 37° C. for 30 minutes, preferably in a buffer comprising succinate, HEPES, CHES, KCl, CaCl₂ and MgCl₂, e.g., by using a method as described in the Examples of the present application. For the avoidance of doubt, HEPES is a buffering agent, 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid, and CHES is a buffering agent, N-Cyclohexyl-2-aminoethanesulfonic acid.

The enzyme-treated milk-based substrate may optionally be mixed with other ingredients to obtain the dairy product. In one embodiment of the invention, the enzyme-treated milk-based substrate is mixed with other ingredients to obtain the dairy product.

In one embodiment of the invention, the dairy product is milk. In another embodiment, the dairy product is condensed milk. In another embodiment, the dairy product is ice cream. In another embodiment, the dairy product is UHT milk. In another embodiment, the dairy product is ESL milk. In yet another embodiment, the dairy product is a fermented dairy product, e.g., yoghurt.

Preferably, the dairy product is a low-lactose dairy product. “Low-lactose”, in the context of the present invention, means that the amount of lactose in the dairy product, such as in the fermented dairy product, has been reduced by at least 70%, preferably 80%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99% or 99,5%.

Method for Producing a Low-Lactose Fermented Dairy Product

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for producing a low-lactose fermented dairy product comprising

a) providing a milk-based substrate comprising lactose,

b) treating said substrate with an enzyme having lactase activity, where the lactase activity of the enzyme at pH 5 is at least 50% of its lactase activity at pH 6 when measured at 37° C., and

c) fermenting said substrate with a microorganism.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a method for producing a low-lactose fermented dairy product comprising

a) providing a milk-based substrate comprising lactose,

b) treating said substrate with an enzyme having lactase activity and having an amino acid sequence which is at least 70% identical to SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, or a fragment of any of these, and

c) fermenting said substrate with a microorganism.

Preferably, in these embodiments, step b) and step c) are performed essentially at the same time.

In the context of the method of the invention, “essentially at the same time” means that enzyme treatment and fermentation are not performed as separate steps, i.e., incubation of the milk-based substrate with the enzyme is not performed as a separate step before inoculation with the microorganism. Instead, the enzyme and the microorganism may be added to the milk-based substrate at essentially the same time. I.e., the enzyme may be added to the milk-based substrate immediately before inoculation with the microorganism. “Immediately before” in this context means without a separate incubation step for the enzymatic hydrolysis. Alternatively, the microorganism may be added immediately before the enzyme, or the microorganism and the enzyme may be added at the same time. “Essentially at the same time” in the context of the method of the invention may mean that the enzyme is active throughout the whole of step c).

“Essentially at the same time” does not mean that the enzymatic hydrolysis of the lactose in the milk-based substrate is completed when the fermentation is completed, i.e. when the pH has dropped to a level preventing further fermenting activity of the microbial starter culture.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the enzyme is still active after completion of step

c). In a more preferred embodiment, the enzyme has retained at least 20%, such as at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60% or at least 70%, of its lactase activity after completion of step c) as compared to its activity when added to the milk-based substrate.

After completion of step c) may mean when at least one of the below is true:

-   -   temperature is lowered to below 30° C.     -   pH has reached 4.55     -   pH does no longer decrease by more than 0.2 units per hour.

In another preferred embodiment, less than 80%, such as less than 70%, less than 60%, less than 50%, less than 40%, less than 30% or less than 20%, of the lactose has been hydrolyzed after two hours of fermentation. “After two hours of fermentation” in the context of the invention means that the milk-based substrate, after having been inoculated with the microorganism, has been incubated for two hours at a temperature which is appropriate for the fermentation process.

In another preferred embodiment, less than 80%, such as less than 70%, less than 60%, less than 50%, less than 40%, less than 30% or less than 20%, of the lactose has been hydrolyzed when pH of the milk-based substrate has dropped to pH 5.

In yet another preferred embodiment, less than 80%, such as less than 70%, less than 60%, less than 50%, less than 40%, less than 30% or less than 20%, of the lactose has been hydrolyzed when step c) is completed.

In a preferred embodiment, more than 70%, such as more than 80%, more than 90%, more than 95%, more than 97%, more than 98% or more than 99%, of the lactose in the milk-based substrate has been hydrolyzed two days, i.e. 48 hours, after start of the fermentation. “Start of the fermentation” is when the milk-based substrate has been inoculated with the microorganism and incubated at a temperature which is appropriate for the fermentation process.

In another preferred embodiment, more than 70%, such as more than 80%, more than 90%, more than 95%, more than 97%, more than 98% or more than 99%, of the lactose in the milk-based substrate has been hydrolyzed two days, i.e. 48 hours, after completion of step c).

In another preferred embodiment, more than 70%, such as more than 80%, more than 90%, more than 95%, more than 97%, more than 98% or more than 99%, of the lactose in the milk-based substrate has been hydrolyzed in the final fermented dairy product. The “final fermented dairy product” is the fermented dairy product as sold to the consumer of the product.

In the embodiments of the invention where the milk-based substrate is being fermented, the enzyme treatment is preferably conducted at the natural pH of the milk-based substrate during the fermentation process, i.e. the pH will gradually decrease from the natural pH of the unfermented milk-based substrate to the pH of the fermented milk-based substrate. In such aspect, the enzyme treatment is preferably conducted at an appropriate temperature for the fermentation process.

Method for Producing a Low-Lactose beverage Milk Product Having an Extended Shelf Life

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for producing a low-lactose milk product comprising

a) providing a milk-based substrate comprising lactose, and

b) treating said substrate with an enzyme having lactase activity,

wherein step b) takes place at a temperature of at least 60° C.

In a preferred embodiment, step b) takes place at a temperature of at least 62° C., such as at least 63° C., more preferred at a temperature of at least 64° C., such as at least 65° C., at least 67° C. or at least 70° C., and most preferred at a temperature of at least 75° C.

The low-lactose milk product may be beverage milk having a longer shelf life than fresh milk which normally has a shelf life of 4-7 days. It may have an improved quality as compared to other low-lactose beverage milk products having a longer shelf life. It may, e.g., have a lower microbial count, a less bitter taste and/or a less brown colour.

Preferably, the milk product is ESL milk. More preferably, the milk product is UHT milk.

In a preferred aspect, the milk-based substrate is raw milk. In another preferred aspect, the milk-based substrate, preferably raw milk, has not been pasteurized before step b).

In a preferred aspect, no pasteurization of the enzyme treated milk-based substrate is performed after step b).

In a preferred aspect, microfiltration of the milk-based substrate is performed before step b). In that case, the enzyme should preferentially be sterile. In another preferred aspect, microfiltration of the enzyme treated milk-based substrate is performed after step b).

In a preferred aspect, step b) is performed for between 10 minutes and 4 hours at a temperature of between 62° C. and 64° C. In a more preferred aspect, step b) is performed for between 20 minutes and 2 hours at a temperature of between 62° C. and 64° C. In an even more preferred aspect, step b) is performed for between 20 and 60 minutes, such as for about 30 minutes, at a temperature of about 63° C. Such simultaneous low pasteurization and lactase treatment of, e.g., raw milk will give rise to low-lactose beverage milk having a higher quality as compared to low-lactose beverage milk where lactase treatment has been performed at low temperature, e.g., at 5° C. for up to 24 hours as is often used in the dairy industry.

In a more preferred aspect, step b) is followed by cooling to below 10° C. without further heat treatment. This will allow for the enzyme to be still active after the milk has been cooled, i.e. during its storage. Preferably, less than 80% of the lactose has been hydrolyzed when step b) is completed, and more than 90% of the lactose has been hydrolyzed after one week. More preferably, less than 60% of the lactose has been hydrolyzed when step b) is completed, and more than 95% of the lactose has been hydrolyzed after one week

In another more preferred aspect, step b) is followed by UHT treatment.

Enzyme Having Lactase Activity

In step b) in the methods of the present invention, the milk-based substrate is treated with an enzyme having lactase activity.

A lactase in the context of the present invention is any glycoside hydrolase having the ability to hydrolyse the disaccharide lactose into constituent galactose and glucose monomers. The group of lactases comprises but is not limited to enzymes assigned to subclass EC 3.2.1.108. Enzymes assigned to other subclasses, such as, e.g., EC 3.2.1.23, may also be lactases in the context of the present invention. A lactase in the context of the invention may have other activities than the lactose hydrolysing activity, such as for example a transgalactosylating activity. In the context of the invention, the lactose hydrolysing activity of the lactase may be referred to as its lactase activity or its beta-galactosidase activity.

Enzymes having lactase activity to be used in a method of the present invention may be of animal, of plant or of microbial origin. Preferred enzymes are obtained from microbial sources, in particular from a filamentous fungus or yeast, or from a bacterium.

The enzyme may, e.g., be derived from a strain of Agaricus, e.g. A. bisporus; Ascovaginospora; Aspergillus, e.g. A. niger, A. awamori, A. foetidus, A. japonicus, A. oryzae; Candida; Chaetomium; Chaetotomastia; Dictyostelium, e.g. D. discoideum; Kluveromyces, e.g. K. fragilis, K. lactis; Mucor, e.g. M. javanicus, M. mucedo, M. subtilissimus; Neurospora, e.g. N. crassa; Rhizomucor, e.g. R. pusillus; Rhizopus, e.g. R. arrhizus, R. japonicus, R. stolonifer; Sclerotinia, e.g. S. libertiana; Torula; Torulopsis; Trichophyton, e.g. T. rubrum; Whetzelinia, e.g. W. sclerotiorum; Bacillus, e.g. B. coagulans, B. circulans, B. megaterium, B. novalis, B. subtilis, B. pumilus, B. stearothermophilus, B. thuringiensis; Bifidobacterium, e.g. B. longum, B. bifidum, B. animalis; Chryseobacterium; Citrobacter, e.g. C. freundii; Clostridium, e.g. C. perfringens; Diplodia, e.g. D. gossypina; Enterobacter, e.g. E. aerogenes, E. cloacae Edwardsiella, E. tarda; Erwinia, e.g. E. herbicola; Escherichia, e.g. E. coli; Klebsiella, e.g. K. pneumoniae; Miriococcum; Myrothesium; Mucor; Neurospora, e.g. N. crassa; Proteus, e.g. P. vulgaris; Providencia, e.g. P. stuartii; Pycnoporus, e.g. Pycnoporus cinnabarinus, Pycnoporus sanguineus; Ruminococcus, e.g. R. torques; Salmonella, e.g. S. typhimurium; Serratia, e.g. S. liquefasciens, S. marcescens; Shigella, e.g. S. flexneri; Streptomyces, e.g. S. antibioticus, S. castaneoglobisporus, S. violeceoruber; Trametes; Trichoderma, e.g. T. reesei, T. viride; Yersinia, e.g. Y. enterocolitica.

In a preferred embodiment, the enzyme is a lactase from a bacterium, e.g. from the family Bifidobacteriaceae, such as from the genus Bifidobacterium, such as from a strain of B. bifidum, B. animalis or B. longum. In a more preferred embodiment, the enzyme is a lactase from Bifidobacterium bifidum. A preferred enzyme is a lactase having a sequence which is at least 50%, such as at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95% or at least 98% identical to amino acids 28-1931 of SEQ ID NO: 1 or to a lactase active fragment thereof. Such lactase active fragment of SEQ ID NO: 1 may be any fragment of SEQ ID NO: 1 having lactase activity. A lactase active fragment of SEQ ID NO: 1 may be, e.g., amino acids 28-979, amino acids 28-1170, amino acids 28-1323, amino acids 28-1331, or amino acids 28-1600 of SEQ ID NO: 1.

In a preferred embodiment, an enzyme having lactase activity to be used in a method of the present invention comprises an amino acid sequence which is at least 50% identical to amino acids 28-1331 of SEQ ID NO: 2. In a more preferred embodiment, the enzyme comprises an amino acid sequence which is at least 60%, such as at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95% or at least 98% identical to amino acids 28-1331 of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another preferred embodiment, an enzyme having lactase activity to be used in a method of the present invention has an amino acid sequence which is at least 50% identical to amino acids 28-1331 of SEQ ID NO: 2. In a more preferred embodiment, the enzyme has an amino acid sequence which is at least 60%, such as at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95% or at least 98% identical to amino acids 28-1331 of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another embodiment, an enzyme having lactase activity to be used in a method of the present invention has an amino acid sequence which is at least 50% identical to SEQ ID NO: 3. Preferably, the enzyme has an amino acid sequence which is at least 60%, such as at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95% or at least 98% identical to SEQ ID NO: 3.

In another embodiment, an enzyme having lactase activity to be used in a method of the present invention has an amino acid sequence which is at least 50% identical to SEQ ID NO: 4. Preferably, the enzyme has an amino acid sequence which is at least 60%, such as at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95% or at least 98% identical to SEQ ID NO: 4.

In another embodiment, an enzyme having lactase activity to be used in a method of the present invention has an amino acid sequence which is at least 50% identical to SEQ ID NO: 5. Preferably, the enzyme has an amino acid sequence which is at least 60%, such as at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95% or at least 98% identical to SEQ ID NO: 5.

In another embodiment, an enzyme having lactase activity to be used in a method of the present invention has an amino acid sequence which is at least 50% identical to SEQ ID NO: 6. Preferably, the enzyme has an amino acid sequence which is at least 60%, such as at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95% or at least 98% identical to SEQ ID NO: 6.

In another embodiment, an enzyme having lactase activity to be used in a method of the present invention has an amino acid sequence which is at least 50% identical to SEQ ID NO: 7. Preferably, the enzyme has an amino acid sequence which is at least 60%, such as at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95% or at least 98% identical to SEQ ID NO: 7.

For purposes of the present invention, the degree of identity between two amino acid sequences is determined using the Needleman-Wunsch algorithm (Needleman and Wunsch (1970) J. Mol. Biol. 48: 443-453) as implemented in the Needle program of the EMBOSS package (EMBOSS: The European Molecular Biology Open Software Suite, Rice et al. (2000) Trends in Genetics 16: 276-277), preferably version 3.0.0 or later. The optional parameters used are gap open penalty of 10, gap extension penalty of 0.5, and the EBLOSUM62 (EMBOSS version of BLOSUM62) substitution matrix. The output of Needle labelled “longest identity” (obtained using the-no brief option) is used as the percent identity and is calculated as follows:

(Identical Residues×100)/(Length of Alignment−Total Number of Gaps in Alignment)

Lactases to be used in a method of the present invention may be extracellular. They may have a signal sequence at their N-terminus, which is cleaved off during secretion.

Lactases to be used in a method of the present invention may be derived from any of the sources mentioned herein. The term “derived” means in this context that the enzyme may have been isolated from an organism where it is present natively, i.e. the identity of the amino acid sequence of the enzyme are identical to a native enzyme. The term “derived” also means that the enzymes may have been produced recombinantly in a host organism, the recombinantly produced enzyme having either an identity identical to a native enzyme or having a modified amino acid sequence, e.g. having one or more amino acids which are deleted, inserted and/or substituted, i.e. a recombinantly produced enzyme which is a mutant and/or a fragment of a native amino acid sequence. Within the meaning of a native enzyme are included natural variants. Furthermore, the term “derived” includes enzymes produced synthetically by, e.g., peptide synthesis. The term “derived” also encompasses enzymes which have been modified e.g. by glycosylation, phosphorylation etc., whether in vivo or in vitro. With respect to recombinantly produced enzyme the term “derived from” refers to the identity of the enzyme and not the identity of the host organism in which it is produced recombinantly.

The lactase may be obtained from a microorganism by use of any suitable technique. For instance, a lactase enzyme preparation may be obtained by fermentation of a suitable microorganism and subsequent isolation of a lactase preparation from the resulting fermented broth or microorganism by methods known in the art. The lactase may also be obtained by use of recombinant DNA techniques. Such method normally comprises cultivation of a host cell transformed with a recombinant DNA vector comprising a DNA sequence encoding the lactase in question and the DNA sequence being operationally linked with an appropriate expression signal such that it is capable of expressing the lactase in a culture medium under conditions permitting the expression of the enzyme and recovering the enzyme from the culture. The DNA sequence may also be incorporated into the genome of the host cell. The DNA sequence may be of genomic, cDNA or synthetic origin or any combinations of these, and may be isolated or synthesized in accordance with methods known in the art.

Lactases to be used in a method of the present invention may be purified. The term “purified” as used herein covers lactase enzyme protein essentially free from insoluble components from the production organism. The term “purified” also covers lactase enzyme protein essentially free from insoluble components from the native organism from which it is obtained. Preferably, it is also separated from some of the soluble components of the organism and culture medium from which it is derived. More preferably, it is separated by one or more of the unit operations: filtration, precipitation, or chromatography.

Accordingly, the enzyme having lactase activity may be purified, viz. only minor amounts of other proteins being present. The expression “other proteins” relate in particular to other enzymes. The term “purified” as used herein also refers to removal of other components, particularly other proteins and most particularly other enzymes present in the cell of origin of the lactase. The lactase may be “substantially pure”, i.e. free from other components from the organism in which it is produced, i.e., e.g., a host organism for recombinantly produced lactase. Preferably, the lactase is an at least 40% (w/w) pure enzyme protein preparation, more preferably at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% or even at least 90% pure.

The term enzyme having lactase activity includes whatever auxiliary compounds that may be necessary for the enzyme's catalytic activity, such as, e.g., an appropriate acceptor or cofactor, which may or may not be naturally present in the reaction system.

The enzyme may be in any form suited for the use in question, such as, e.g., in the form of a dry powder or granulate, a non-dusting granulate, a liquid, a stabilized liquid, or a protected enzyme.

The enzyme is added in a suitable amount to achieve the desired degree of lactose hydrolysis under the chosen reaction conditions. The enzyme may be added at a concentration of between 100 and 5000 LAU per litre milk-based substrate, preferably less than 3000, such as less than 1500, less than 1000, less than 750 or less than 500, LAU per litre milk-based substrate.

In a preferred embodiment, the enzyme is added at a concentration of between 5 and 100 LAU per g lactose in the milk-based substrate, preferably less than 50, such as less than 40, less than 30, less than 20 or less than 10, LAU per g lactose in the milk-based substrate.

In the context of the present application, 1 lactase unit (1 LAU) is the amount of enzyme which releases 1 micromole glucose per minute in M-buffer at pH 6.5 and 37° C. with a lactose concentration of 4.75% w/v. M-buffer is prepared by dissolving 3.98 g C₆H₅Na₃O₇-2H₂O, 8.31 g citric acid, 0.9 g K₂SO₄, 2.6 g K₂HPO₄, 7.35 g KH₂PO₄, 5.45 g KOH, 4.15 g MgCl₂-6H₂O, 3.75 g CaCl₂-2H₂O and 1.4 g NaHCO₃ in 4 litre water, adding 12.5 ml 4N NaOH, adjusting to pH 6.5 using HCl, and adding water up to a total volume of 5 litre.

The activity in LAU of a specific lactase may be determined by direct measurement of glucose released from lactose under the conditions described above. The skilled person will know how to determine such activity. Alternatively, the activity may be determined by using the lactase activity assay described in Example 1 of the present application. Here, the activity is obtained by comparing to a standard curve run with a lactase of known activity, and the activity of the unknown sample calculated from this. The lactase of known activity may, e.g., be Lactozym obtained from Novozymes A/S, Denmark.

In a preferred embodiment, the enzyme having lactase activity to be used in a method of the present invention has a lactase activity at 37° C. and pH 5 which is at least 55%, such as at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70% or at least 75%, of its lactase activity at 37° C. and pH 6.

In another preferred embodiment, the enzyme having lactase activity to be used in a method of the present invention has a lactase activity at 37° C. and pH 4.5 which is at least 10%, such as at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 35% or at least 40%, of its lactase activity at 37° C. and pH 6.

In another preferred embodiment, the enzyme having lactase activity to be used in a method of the present invention has a pH optimum of the lactase activity at 37° C. which is above pH 5.5.

In another preferred embodiment, the enzyme having lactase activity to be used in a method of the present invention has a lactase activity at a temperature of 52° C. and a pH of 6.5 which is at least 50%, such as at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75% or at least 80%, of its lactase activity at a temperature of 38° C. and a pH of 6.5.

The skilled person will know how to determine the lactase activity at different pH and temperature. The lactase activity at different pH and temperature is preferably determined by using a method as described in the Examples of the present application.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Km of the enzyme having lactase activity at 5° C. is below 25 mM, such as below 20 mM, below 15 mM or below 10 mM. In another preferred embodiment, Km of the enzyme having lactase activity at 37° C. is below 25 mM, such as below 20 mM or below 15 mM. The skilled person will know how to determine Km for the lactase activity at a specific temperature. Km may be determined by the method used in the Examples of the present application.

In another preferred embodiment, the enzyme when hydrolysing the lactose in the milk-based substrate has a ratio of lactase to transgalactosylase activity of more than 1:1, such as more than 2:1 or more than 3:1. In another preferred embodiment, the enzyme treatment is performed under conditions where the lactase activity of the enzyme is higher than the transgalactosylase activity, such as at least two times higher or at least three times higher. The ratio of lactase to transgalactosylase activity in the milk-based substrate may, e.g., be determined by HPLC analysis. In another preferred embodiment, the enzyme treatment is performed under conditions where at least 50% (w/w %) of the hydrolyzed lactose is converted into free galactose. In another preferred embodiment, the enzyme treatment is performed under conditions where the hydrolyzed lactose is converted into equal amounts of free glucose and free galactose.

Example 1

Lactase Activity-Assay in Eppendorf Tubes at 37° C., pH 6.5

Principle:

Lactase hydrolyses lactose into glucose and galactose. Glucose is measured after a modified version of the common glucose oxidase/peroxidase assay (Werner, W. et al. (1970) Z. analyt. Chem. 252: 224.).

LAU is defined as the amount of enzyme liberating 1 micromole of glucose per min at 37° C., pH 6.5 in M-buffer (M-buffer is defined in the description of the present patent application). Alternatively, the activity in LAU for a specific lactase may be determined by the method described here. The value obtained is compared to a standard curve run with a lactase of known activity, and the activity of the unknown sample calculated from this. The lactase of known activity may, e.g., be Lactozym obtained from Novozymes A/S, Denmark.

Solutions:

Assay buffer: 50 mM succinate, 50 mM HEPES, 50 mM CHES, 150 mM KCl, 2 mM CaCl₂, 1 mM MgCl₂, 0.01% Triton X100, pH 6.5

GOD-Perid solution: 65 mM sodium phosphate, pH 7, 0.4 g/l Glucose oxidase, 0.013 g/l HRP (Horse Radish Peroxidase), 0.65 g/l ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)).

Substrate:

160 mM lactose, 50 mM succinate, 50 mM HEPES, 50 mM CHES, 150 mM KCl, 2 mM CaCl₂, 1 mom MgCl₂, pH 6.5.

Standard:

Lactozym (available from Novozymes A/S, Denmark) with a known activity in LAU/g is used as standard, diluted in assay buffer in the range from 0.09-0.7 LAU/g.

Samples:

Enzyme samples are diluted appropriately in assay buffer.

Procedure:

1. 375 ul substrate is incubated 5 minutes at 37° C.

2. 25 ul enzyme diluted in assay buffer is added.

3. The reaction is stopped after 30 minutes by adding 60 ul 1 M NaOH

4. 20 ul is transferred to a 96 well microtiter plate and 200 ul GOD-Perid solution is added.

After 30 minutes at room temperature, the absorbance is measured at 420 nm.

Example 2

100 ml 9% skimmed milk solution having approximately 5% lactose was made by mixing 9 g skimmed milk powder (Kerry) in 91 ml ionic water. 10 ml of the solution was transferred to a test tube containing a magnetic stirring bar and placed in a water bath at 37° C. After 15 min enzyme was added. Enzymes tested were Lactozym, a commercially available lactase from Novozymes A/S, Denmark, having an activity of 3060 LAU/g, and an experimental lactase from Bifidobacterium bifidum having the encoded sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 and an activity of 295 LAU/g. Amino acids 1 to 27 of SEQ ID NO: 2 is a signal sequence which is presumably cleaved off and amino acids 1332 to 1341 is a tag used for purification of the experimental enzyme.

Dosages were 5640 LAU/I milk of Lactozym and 2700 LAU/l milk of the Bifidobacterium lactase. Milk samples were taken at regular intervals up till 4 hrs. and the enzyme inactivated by heating to 99° C. for 10 min in a thermomixer. Samples were diluted appropriately and filtered through a 0.20 um filter.

Lactose hydrolysis was measured using a Dionex BioLC equipped with a Dionex PA1 column and a Pulsed Amperiometrisk Detektor (PAD). Peaks were identified and quantified by comparing with known standards of lactose, glucose and galactose. Results are given below.

TABLE 1 Lactose, glucose and galactose in reconstituted skimmed milk after treatment with Lactozym or Bifidobacterium lactase. Lactozym Bifidobacterium lactase Time Lactose Glucose Galactose Lactose Glucose Galactose min mM mM mM mM mM mM 5 152 6 5 156 3 3 30 64 92 76 91 71 70 60 35 118 99 45 117 114 120 19 131 111 8 144 142 180 15 141 119 1 155 153 240 14 150 128 1 162 160

When tested in milk with 5% lactose, no transferase activity is observed when using the Bifidobacterium lactase. Glucose and galactose production are equal and total monosaccharide production match that expected from the lactose hydrolyzed. For comparison, Lactozym produces less galactose than glucose clearly showing that galactooligosaccharides have been produced. Also, final lactose levels are significantly lower when using the Bifidobacterium lactase illustrating the lower Km value of this enzyme.

Example 3

100 ml 15 or 30% (w/w) whey permeate containing primarily lactose and ions was made by mixing 15 or 30 g spray-dried whey permeate powder (Variolac, Arla) in 85 or 70 ml ionic water respectively. The solution was poured in a flask containing a magnetic stirring bar and placed in a water bath at 37° C. After 15 min, enzyme was added. Enzymes tested were Lactozym, a commercially available lactase from Novozymes A/S, Denmark, having an activity of 3060 LAU/g, and an experimental lactase from Bifidobacterium bifidum having the encoded sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 and an activity of 295 LAU/g.

Dosages were 4225 LAU/l milk of Lactozym and 2025 LAU/l milk of the Bifidobacterium lactase. Milk samples were taken at regular intervals up till 5.5 hrs. and the enzyme inactivated by heating to 99° C. for 10 min in a thermomixer. Samples were diluted appropriately and filtered through a 0.20 um filter.

Lactose hydrolysis was measured using a Dionex BioLC equipped with a Dionex PA1 column and a Pulsed Amperiometrisk Detektor (PAD). Peaks were identified and quantified by comparing with known standards of lactose, glucose and galactose.

Results are given below.

TABLE 2 Lactose, glucose and galactose in 15% DS whey permeate after treatment with Lactozym or Bifidobacterium lactase. Lactozym Bifidobacterium lactase Time Lactose Glucose Galactose Lactose Glucose Galactose min mM mM mM mM mM mM 0 499 1 2 499 1 2 30 312 135 106 410 61 63 60 211 224 155 349 119 122 120 110 295 221 220 199 202 180 66 324 249 149 281 290 240 50 346 279 84 336 348 330 37 372 312 31 350 368

TABLE 3 Lactose, glucose and galactose in 30% DS whey permeate after treatment with Lactozym or Bifidobacterium lactase. Lactozym Bifidobacterium lactase Time Lactose Glucose Galactose Lactose Glucose Galactose min mM mM mM mM mM mM 0 848 1 4 848 1 4 30 824 109 75 819 43 45 60 615 253 150 788 86 83 120 420 370 242 651 159 158 180 291 459 300 625 232 230 240 246 559 373 501 283 273 330 154 544 367 391 333 324 1440 54 649 545 20 727 739

Also when tested at higher lactose concentrations as in 15% or 30% whey permeate no or very little galactooligosaccharides are produced. Again, the produced galactose and glucose levels are equal and match the amount of lactose hydrolyzed. For comparison, Lactozym produces less galactose than glucose, clearly showing that galactooligosaccharides have been produced.

Example 4

pH Profile (at 37° C.) and Temperature Profile (at pH 6.5) of Experimental Lactase from Bifidobacterium bifidum using Lactose as Substrate.

Principle:

Lactase hydrolyses lactose and glucose+galactose is formed. Glucose is measured after a modified version of the common glucose oxidase/peroxidase assay (Werner, W. et al. (1970) Z. analyt. Chem. 252: 224.) pH profile

Substrate:

167 mM lactose, 50 mM succinate, 50 mM HEPES, 50 mM CHES, 150 mM KCl, 2 mM CaCl₂, 1 mM MgCl₂ and pH adjusted to pH 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 with NaOH.

Enzyme Sample:

Experimental lactase from Bifidobacterium bifidum having the encoded sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 was diluted appropriately in 150 mM KCl, 2 mM CaCl₂, 1 mM MgCl₂, 0.01% Triton X100.

Procedure:

-   -   10 ul enzyme sample diluted in enzyme dilution buffer was added         to PCR tubes at room temp.     -   90 ul substrate was added at room temp. and quickly placed in a         Peltier Thermal Cycler (PCT-200, MJ research) at 37° C. and         incubated for 30 min and then placed on ice.     -   The reaction was stopped by adding 100 ul 0.25 M NaOH.     -   20 ul was transferred to a 96 well microtitre plate and 230 ul         65 mM sodium phosphate, pH 7, 0.4 g/l Glucose oxidase, 0.013 g/l         HRP, 0.65 g/l ABTS solution was added. After 30 minutes at room         temperature, the absorbance was measured at 420 nm.

TABLE 4 B. bifidum lactase relative pH activity (% of activity at pH 6) 3 0 4 4 5 75 6 100 7 85 8 39 9 10 10 4

Temperature Profile

Substrate:

167 mM lactose, 50 mM succinate, 50 mM HEPES, 50 mM CHES, 150 mM KCl, 2 mM CaCl₂, 1 mM MgCl₂ and pH adjusted to pH 6.5 with NaOH.

Enzyme Sample:

Experimental lactase from Bifidobacterium bifidum having the encoded sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 was diluted appropriately in 50 mM succinate, 50 mM HEPES, 50 mM CHES, 150 mM KCl, 2 mM CaCl₂, 1 mM MgCl₂, 0.01% Triton X100 and pH adjusted to pH 6.5.

Procedure:

-   -   10 ul enzyme sample diluted in enzyme dilution buffer was added         to PCR tubes at room temp.     -   90 ul preheated (in a Peltier Thermal Cycler 30-70° C.)         substrate was added and incubation was performed with a temp.         gradient from 30-70° C. for 30 min. and then placed on ice.     -   The reaction was stopped by adding 100 ul 0.25 M NaOH.     -   20 ul was transferred to a 96 well microtitre plate and 230 ul         65 mM sodium phosphate, pH 7, 0.4 g/l Glucose oxidase, 0.013 g/l         HRP, 0.65 g/l ABTS solution was added. After 30 minutes at room         temperature, the absorbance was measured at 420 nm.

TABLE 5 Temp. B. bifidum lactase relative ° C. activity (% of activity at 38.1° C.) 20 54 21 63 22 64 24 68 26 73 29 81 31 88 34 94 36 96 38 100 43 96 48 91 52 83 57 76 62 58 66 32 69 20 70 17

Example 5

Determination of Km for Lactase Enzymes at 5° C.

Principle:

Lactase hydrolyses lactose and glucose +galactose is formed. Glucose is measured after a modified version of the common glucose oxidase/peroxidase assay (Werner, W. et al. (1970) Z. analyt. Chem. 252: 224.)

Substrate:

Different lactose concentrations ranging from Km/5 to 10*Km, 50 mM succinate, 50 mM HEPES, 50 mM CHES, 150 mM KCl, 2 mM CaCl₂, 1 mM MgCl₂ and pH adjusted to pH 6.5 with NaOH.

Enzyme Sample:

Experimental lactase from Bifidobacterium bifidum having the encoded sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 was diluted appropriately in 50 mM succinate, 50 mM HEPES, 50 mM CHES, 150 mM KCl, 2 mM CaCl₂, 1 mM MgCl₂, 0.01% Triton X100, pH adjusted to pH 6.5 with NaOH.

12 g/l Lactozym (commercially available lactase from Novozymes A/S, Denmark) was diluted 6000 times in the same buffer.

Procedure:

-   -   10 ul enzyme sample (5° C.) was added to a 96 well microtitre         plate on ice.     -   90 ul substrate (5° C.) was added and incubated for 2 hours at         5° C.     -   The reaction was stopped by adding 100 ul 0.25 M NaOH.     -   20 ul was transferred to a 96 well microtitre plate and 230 ul         65 mM sodium phosphate, pH 7, 0.4 g/l Glucose oxidase, 0.013 g/l         HRP, 0.65 g/l ABTS solution was added. After 30 minutes at room         temperature, the absorbance was measured at 420 nm.

Km Determination:

Computerized nonlinear least-squares fitting and the Michaelis-Menten equation:

v=(Vmax*S)/(Km+S)

was used. Km for the Bifidobacterium lactase and Lactozym were determined to be 8 mM and 30 mM, respectively.

In a similar test performed at 37° C., Km for the Bifidobacterium lactase and Lactozym were determined to be 13 mM and 30 mM, respectively.

Example 6

Yoghurt Trials

Commercial homogenized milk with 1.5% fat was pasteurized at 90° C. for 20 min. 200 ml of the milk was transferred into baby bottles and tempered to 43° C. The milk was inoculated with a frozen probiotic yoghurt culture from Chr. Hansen, Denmark, (F-DVS ABY-3) using an inoculation level of 0.02%. At the same time, enzyme was added to the milk. Enzyme products tested were Ha-lactase, a commercially available lactase from Chr. Hansen, Denmark, having an activity of 8021 LAU/g and an experimental lactase from Bifidobacterium bifidum having the encoded sequence shown in SEQ ID No. 2 and an activity of 295 LAU/g.

Dosages were 1500, 3000 and 3750 LAU/L milk of Ha-lactase and 710, 1420, and 1780 LAU/L of the Bifidobacterium lactase. The milk samples were fermented at 43° C. until pH reached 4.55 within approximately five hours. The yoghurts were then stirred, cooled to 25° C. and placed at 8° C. for storage. Samples were collected 2 hours after addition of culture and enzyme, at end pH (pH 4.55) and after 20-24 hours (Day 1) of storage at 8° C. The biological activity was stopped by addition of sulphuric acid. Proteins were precipitated adding perchloric acid and MQW containing standards were then added.

Lactose hydrolysis was measured using a Dionex ICS-3000 system equipped with a Carbopac20 connected with an electrochemical detector (ED). Peaks were identified and quantified by comparing with known standards of lactose, glucose and galactose. Results for lactose hydrolysis are given below.

TABLE 6 Lactose in yoghurt treated with different dosages of Ha-lactase or Bifidobacterium lactase. A reference sample with no addition of enzyme was also tested Lactose (mg/g) Refer- ence HA-lactase Bifidobacterium lactase No 1500 3000 3750 710 1420 1780 Time lactase LAU/L LAU/L LAU/L LAU/L LAU/L LAU/L Ini- 56.0 tial 2 h 48.4 13.3 3.4 2.6 29.6 10.2 5.7 End 39.0 10.9 2.5 1.9 8.7 0.6 0.6 pH Day 39.3 10.5 2.4 1.8 3.4 0.5 0.5 1

The level of lactose in the yoghurt samples show that Ha-lactase has highest activity in the beginning of the fermentation, during the first two hours of fermentation. After two hours Ha-lactase is clearly inactivated, due to the lowering of pH. The Bifidobacterium lactase, on the other hand, stays active during the whole fermentation and also to some extent during cold storage. At the lowest tested dosage of 710 LAU/L, the lactose level is significantly reduced during cold storage when using the Bifidobacterium lactase.

Example 7

Yoghurt Trials

Commercial homogenized milk with 1.5% fat was pasteurized at 90° C. for 20 min. 200 ml of the milk was transferred into baby bottles and tempered to 43° C. The milk was inoculated with a frozen probiotic yoghurt culture from Chr. Hansen, Denmark, (F-DVS ABY-3) using an inoculation level if 0.02%. At the same time enzyme was added to the milk. Enzyme products tested were Ha-lactase, a commercially available lactase from Chr. Hansen, Denmark, having an activity of 8021 LAU/g and an experimental lactase from Bifidobacterium bifidum having the encoded sequence shown in SEQ ID No. 2 and an activity of 295 LAU/g.

Dosage was 1500 LAU/L milk of Ha-lactase and 710, 530 and 360 LAU/L of the Bifidobacterium lactase. The milk samples were fermented at 43° C. until pH reached 4.55 within approximately five hours. The yoghurts were then stirred, cooled to 25° C. and placed at 8° C. for storage. Samples were collected 2 hours after addition of culture and enzyme, at end pH (pH4.55) and after 1, 2, 3 and 7 days of storage at 8° C. The biological activity was stopped by addition of sulphuric acid. Proteins were precipitated adding perchloric acid and MQW containing standards was then added.

Lactose hydrolysis was measured using a Dionex ICS-3000 system equipped with a Carbopac20 connected with an electrochemical detector (ED). Peaks were identified and quantified by comparing with known standards of lactose, glucose and galactose. Results for lactose hydrolysis are given below.

TABLE 7 Lactose (mg/g) Ha-lactase Bifidobacterium lactase 1500 710 530 360 Time No lactase LAU/L LAU/L LAU/L LAU/L Initial 47.9 2 h 45.8 4.7 21.2 24.2 29.6 End pH 35.5 2.3 0.8 3.8 9.6 Day 1 33.7 3.1 0.2 0.8 4.7 Day 2 2.7 0.5 0.7 2.9 Day 3 2.6 0.3 0.2 1.5 Day 7 2.6 0.1 0.2 0.3

As described in the previous example, the activity period of the two enzymes tested differs. Ha-lactase shows high activity at the start of fermentation whereas the Bifidobacterium lactase stays active during the whole fermentation time and also during cold storage. Hence, after two days of storage the lactose level is similar or lower in samples with the Bifidobacterium lactase compared to the Ha-lactase.

Similar degrees of lactose hydrolysis are obtained day 2 in the yoghurts samples with 1500 LAU/L Ha-lactase and yoghurt samples with 360 LAU/L Bifidobacterium lactase.

Example 8

Milk Trials

Commercial homogenized milk with 1.5% fat was transferred to tubes (10 ml) and heated in water baths to 40° C., 50° C. and 55° C., respectively. Enzyme was then added to the milk samples. Enzyme products tested were Ha-lactase, a commercially available lactase from Chr. Hansen, Denmark, having an activity of 8040 LAU/g and an experimental lactase from Bifidobacterium bifidum having the encoded sequence shown in SEQ ID No. 2 and an activity of 295 LAU/g.

Dosage was 1500 LAU/L milk of Ha-lactase and 710 LAU/L of the Bifidobacterium lactase. Samples were collected 2 hours and 4 hours after addition of the enzyme. The biological activity was stopped by addition of sulphuric acid. Proteins were precipitated adding perchloric acid and MQW containing standards was then added.

Lactose hydrolysis was measured using a Dionex ICS-3000 system equipped with a Carbopac20 connected with an electrochemical detector (ED). Peaks were identified and quantified by comparing with known standards of lactose, glucose and galactose. Results for lactose hydrolysis are given below.

TABLE 8 Lactose (mg/g) Refer- ence HA-lactase - 1500 Bifidobacterium No LAU/L lactase - 710 LAU/L Time lactase 40° C. 50° C. 55° C. 40° C. 50° C. 55° C. 2 h 46.5 24.0 34.9 40.6 29.3 21.0 31.7 4 h 46.5 19.8 37.3 39.6 12.5 11.2 25.6

At the highest temperatures, 50° C. and 55° C., the Bifidobacterium lactase shows significantly higher activity compared to the Ha-lactase. Furthermore, the Bifidobacterium lactase stays active during the 4 hour reaction time, whereas no or only very low activity is observed for the Ha-lactase.

Example 9

Milk Trials-High Temperature

Commercial homogenized milk with 1.5% fat was transferred to tubes (10 ml) and tempered to 63° C. Enzyme was added to the milk samples. Enzyme products tested were Ha-lactase 5200, a commercially available lactase from Chr. Hansen (Denmark) having an activity of 8040 LAU/g and Lactoles, a commercial Bacillus lactase from Daiwa Kasei (Japan) having an activity of approximately 1500 LAU/g.

Applied dosages were 1500 LAU/L milk of Ha-lactase and Lactoles, respectively. At 63° C. samples were collected 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 2 hours and 4 hours after addition of the enzyme. The enzymatic activity in the samples was stopped by addition of sulphuric acid and proteins precipitated by addition of perchloric acid before HPLC analysis.

Lactose hydrolysis was measured using a Dionex ICS-3000 system equipped with a Carbopac20 connected with an electrochemical detector (ED). Peaks were identified and quantified by comparing with known standards of lactose, glucose and galactose. Results for lactose hydrolysis are given below.

TABLE 9 Lactose (mg/g) Reference- HA-lactase 5200 - Lactoles - Time No lactase 1500 LAU/L 1500 LAU/L 15 min. 48.9 44.6 22.7 30 min. 48.9 44.9 22.1  2 h 48.9 44.0 6.7  4 h 48.9 43.2 3.2

At 63° C. Ha-lactase 5200 is inactivated as no hydrolysis takes place during 4 hours of reaction. On the other hand, Lactoles shows high activity at this temperature during the whole reaction time. After 4 hours, a degree of hydrolysis of 93.4% is obtained.

Example 10

100 ml 9% skimmed milk solution having approximately 5% lactose was made by mixing 9 g skimmed milk powder (Kerry) in 91 ml ionic water. 10 ml of the solution was transferred to a test tube containing a magnetic stirring bar and placed in a water bath at 5° C. After 15 min enzyme was added. Enzymes tested were Lactozym, a commercially available lactase from Novozymes A/S, Denmark, having an activity of 3060 LAU/g, and an experimental lactase from Bifidobacterium bifidum having the encoded sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 and an activity of 295 LAU/g. Amino acids 1 to 27 of SEQ ID NO: 2 is a signal sequence which is presumably cleaved off and amino acids 1332 to 1341 is a tag used for purification of the experimental enzyme.

Dosages were 3000 LAU/l milk of Lactozym and 1420 LAU/l milk of the Bifidobacterium lactase. Milk samples were taken at regular intervals up till 48 hrs. and the enzyme inactivated by heating to 99° C. for 10 min in a thermomixer. Samples were diluted appropriately and filtered through a 0.20 um filter.

Lactose hydrolysis was measured using a Dionex BioLC equipped with a Dionex PA1 column and a Pulsed Amperiometrisk Detektor (PAD). Peaks were identified and quantified by comparing with known standards of lactose, glucose and galactose. Results are given below.

TABLE 10 Lactose, glucose and galactose in reconstituted skimmed milk after treatment with Lactozym or Bifidobacterium lactase at 5° C. Lactozym Bifidobacterium lactase Time Lactose Glucose Galactose Lactose Glucose Galactose min mM mM mM mM mM mM 125 — — — 110 28 31 240 87 64 60 — — — 360 — — — 70 65 67 460 62 104 91 55 74 76 1410 18 152 134 13 149 148 1620 13 137 125 7 139 140 1865 10 — — 5 167 167 2870 6 141 132 0.7 139 140

When tested in milk with 5% lactose at 5° C. again no transferase activity is observed when using the Bifidobacterium lactase. Glucose and galactose production are equal and total monosaccharide production match that expected from the lactose hydrolyzed. For comparison, Lactozym produces less galactose than glucose clearly showing that galactooligosaccharides have been produced. Also, final lactose levels are significantly lower when using the Bifidobacterium lactase further illustrating the lower Km value of this enzyme. 

1-24. (canceled)
 25. A method for producing a dairy product comprising a) providing a milk-based substrate comprising lactose; and b) treating said substrate with an enzyme having lactase activity and selected from the group consisting of: an amino acid sequence which is at least 70% identical to amino acids 28-1331 of SEQ ID NO: 2 or a fragment thereof; an amino acid sequence which is at least 70% identical to amino acids 28-1931 of SEQ ID NO: 1 or a fragment thereof; an amino acid sequence which is at least 70% identical to any of SEQ ID NO's: 3-4 or a fragment thereof; and an amino acid sequence which is at least 70% identical to any of SEQ ID NO's: 5-7 or a fragment thereof.
 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the enzyme is derived from a microorganism of the genus Bifidobacterium.
 27. The method of claim 25, where the pH optimum of the lactase activity at 37° C. is above pH 5, and where the lactase activity of the enzyme at pH 5 is at least 50% of its lactase activity at pH 6 when measured at 37° C.
 28. A method for producing a dairy product comprising a) providing a milk-based substrate comprising lactose, and b) treating said substrate with an enzyme having lactase activity, where the pH optimum of the lactase activity at 37° C. is above pH 5, and where the lactase activity of the enzyme at pH 5 is at least 50% of its lactase activity at pH 6 when measured at 37° C.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein step b) takes place at a temperature of at least 50° C.
 30. A method for producing a dairy product comprising a) providing a milk-based substrate comprising lactose, and b) treating said substrate with an enzyme having lactase activity, wherein step b) takes place at a temperature of at least 50° C.
 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the lactase activity of the enzyme at a temperature of 52° C. is at least 70% of its lactase activity at a temperature of 38° C. when measured at pH 6.5.
 32. The method claim 30, wherein the enzyme is added to the milk-based substrate at a concentration of less than 30 LAU per g lactose in the milk-based substrate.
 33. The method of claim 30, wherein the enzyme is added to the milk-based substrate at a concentration of less than 1000 LAU per litre milk-based substrate.
 34. The method of claim 30, wherein the enzyme when hydrolysing the lactose in the milk-based substrate has a ratio of lactase to transgalactosylase activity of more than 1:1.
 35. The method of any of claim 30, further comprising a step c) fermenting said substrate with a microorganism, wherein the dairy product is a fermented dairy product.
 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the fermented dairy product is yoghurt.
 37. The method of claim 35, wherein step b) and step c) are performed essentially at the same time.
 38. The method of claim 35, wherein the enzyme of step b) and the microorganism of step c) are added to the milk-based substrate at essentially the same time.
 39. The method of claim 35, wherein less than 80% of the lactose has been hydrolyzed after two hours of fermentation, and wherein more than 90% of the lactose has been hydrolyzed in the final fermented dairy product.
 40. The method of claim 35, wherein less than 80% of the lactose has been hydrolyzed when step c) is completed, and wherein more than 90% of the lactose has been hydrolyzed in the final fermented dairy product.
 41. The method of claim 28, wherein the milk-based substrate is raw milk which is not pasteurized before step b).
 42. The method of claim 41, wherein step b) is performed for between 10 minutes and 4 hours at a temperature of between 62° C. and 64° C., and wherein step b) is followed by cooling to below 10° C. without further heat treatment.
 43. The method of claim 41, wherein less than 80% of the lactose has been hydrolyzed when step b) is completed, and wherein more than 90% of the lactose has been hydrolyzed after one week.
 44. The method of claim 41, wherein step b) is performed for between 10 minutes and 4 hours at a temperature of between 62° C. and 64° C., and wherein step b) is followed by UHT treatment. 